Chinese hackers reportedly infiltrated the networks of major U.S. broadband providers, including Verizon Communications, AT&T, and Lumen Technologies, gaining access to systems used by the federal government for court-authorized wiretapping, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. The breach, which was recently uncovered, suggests that the hackers may have had access to these telecom networks for several months, potentially compromising network infrastructure that facilitates compliance with U.S. requests for communications data.
The report indicates that the hackers not only accessed sensitive information related to wiretapping but also gathered other types of internet traffic. In response to the allegations, China’s foreign ministry expressed ignorance regarding the reported attack and accused the United States of fabricating a “false narrative” to tarnish China’s reputation. The ministry stated that such an erroneous approach would undermine global cybersecurity cooperation.
U.S. investigators have labeled the hacking group responsible for the breach as “Salt Typhoon,” linking it to efforts aimed at intelligence collection. This incident comes on the heels of other significant cyber espionage concerns involving Chinese hacking groups, including the recent disruption of a group nicknamed “Flax Typhoon.” Earlier in the year, U.S. law enforcement took action against these groups after raising alarms about China’s extensive cyber espionage activities under a campaign called “Volt Typhoon.”
While Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen Technologies have yet to respond to requests for comments on the incident, the implications of the breach underscore ongoing concerns regarding cybersecurity and foreign interference in U.S. infrastructure. In its defense, China’s foreign ministry stated that Beijing’s cybersecurity agencies had previously identified and provided evidence to suggest that the Volt Typhoon incidents were orchestrated by an international ransomware organization rather than the Chinese government.
The situation highlights the escalating tensions between the U.S. and China regarding cybersecurity, with each nation accusing the other of engaging in cyber warfare. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, the need for international dialogue and cooperation becomes increasingly crucial to address these challenges effectively.
